STA. MARIA, Davao Occidental — A 46-year-old carnival worker was killed after he was allegedly stabbed by his younger co-worker inside a carnival area along the National Highway in Poblacion, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental on the night of May 29, 2026.
The victim, identified only by the alias “Gino,” was a resident of Barangay Tacul in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. The suspect was identified by police as alias “Ryan,” an 18-year-old resident of Barangay Magsisi, Cateel, Davao Oriental.
According to the police report, the deadly incident happened at around 8:00 p.m. inside the carnival grounds, where both the victim and the suspect were reportedly working.
Authorities said mobile patrollers identified as Police Corporal Kerwin Lloyd Catigan and Patrolman Raby Tejadillo immediately responded to the incident and successfully arrested the suspect shortly after the stabbing.
Initial investigation revealed that the victim allegedly scolded the suspect moments before the attack. Reports said the victim also threw a cellphone toward the suspect, which allegedly triggered the latter’s anger.
In a sudden burst of rage, the suspect reportedly pulled out a kitchen knife and stabbed the victim, hitting him on the left side of the chest and armpit.
The wounded carnival worker was immediately rushed to Pineda Medical Hospital for emergency treatment. However, the attending physician later declared him dead on arrival.
Police recovered the bladed weapon believed to have been used in the stabbing and have taken the suspect into custody while criminal charges are being prepared against him.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fatal altercation, including whether there were prior tensions between the two carnival workers before the incident occurred.
The killing has shocked residents and carnival-goers in Sta. Maria, raising concerns over security inside temporary fairground operations where workers and visitors gather nightly.